Although the use of bicycles contributes to improving the environment and the standard of living of Bogota citizens, and it is essential to promote it to improve mobility and road safety, the recent registered accidents show a problem of citizen culture of the users.
The numbers
In 2016, according to Bogotá Como Vamps, in the city 71 cyclists died 730 injured.
In the last 5 years, the number of injured people has risen by 227 percent.
8 percent of the Bogota population moves by bicycle.
According to the Bicycle Management, Bogota citizens make around 700,000 trips a day.
In 2016 in Colombia, 379 bicycle users died and 2,748 were injured. So far this year, 227 cyclists have died.
The sins of cyclists
Like a part of private drivers and public service, pedestrians and motorcyclists, some of the cyclists do not respect or do not know the traffic rules so they put their lives and pedestrians at risk.
Juan, leader of cyclists
"There is a war between cars and bicycles. We need awareness programs that teach cyclists to wear a reflective vest and to use the minimum elements of personal protection."
"I think you have to work hard on pedagogy of bicycle road culture. As the German sociologist Norbert Elias says, the civilization of a society can be observed in deaths in traffic accidents.”
Orlando Milano, director of IDRD
"We still need all the actors on the road to be more aware of the importance of respecting the other. Although they are vulnerable and deserve that drivers protect them, it is necessary that they also do their part respecting traffic regulations. Keep wearing a safety vest on the road. It is a matter of attitude and we know that we can. The good behavior of citizens has been demonstrated in massive events such as the Pope's visit to Bogotá. "